Johns Creek Herald - December 1, 2022

We Treat Peripheral Neuropathy

Local Girl Scouts launch food drive

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — “Make the world a better place” is part of the Girl Scout pledge, and it’s something the more than 50 Girl Scouts at Wilson Creek Elemen tary School take seriously.

As the girls looked for a meaningful community project, they learned about the North Fulton Community Charities Food Pantry, which serves more than 125 households in need each day.

One fifth grader received permission from the principal to launch a schoolwide Thanksgiving food drive. With homemade flyers and videos for morning announcements, the girls appealed to the school’s families for support.

They had no idea the response they’d get.

By delivery day, the Girl Scouts col lected more than 1,000 nonperishable food items like canned sweet potatoes and green beans, bread mixes and des serts perfect for Thanksgiving meals.

“You’re never too young to make a difference,” said Leslie Gilliam, of Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta. “We couldn’t be prouder that these girls identified a need in their community and figured out a way they could help.”

Johns Creek schedules Holly Jolly Block Party

By AMBER PERRY amber@appenmedia.com

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Johns Creek will kick off the holiday season with a Holly Jolly Block Party, the first event of its kind in the city.

The block party will take place Dec. 3 at Johns Creek City Hall from 4-8 p.m. and will feature a host of activities for the

community.

That Saturday, there will be a lighting of a new 40-foot Christmas tree, a holiday market and displays, Santa Claus, an Elf Zone filled with games and activities, The Glow Band concert and other musical performances, food trucks, live llamas and college football on televisions, to air the SEC championship game.

The Holly Jolly Block Party will provide

a unifying space where everyone in the community can celebrate the holidays, unlike years past when holiday events were spread across the city — something Johns Creek Mayor John Bradberry is excited about.

“It’s going to bring everyone to a cen tral focal point,” Bradberry said. “Everyone will be together for longer, and hopefully be able to enjoy it as a family more easily.”

Maria Fundora, founder of the pancreatic cancer nonprofit Purple Pansies, speaks to a crowd at the 13th annual Pillars of Hope Gala hosted Sept. 19. The group used the event to raise more than $850,000 for pancreatic cancer research and support of local families affected by the disease.

Cancer nonprofit marks success at annual gala

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Purple Pansies founder Maria Fundora says that November, Pancreatic Cancer Aware ness Month, has been a success, marking more than $4 million raised by her group for cancer research and support of local families.

“The last two years, 2020 and 2021, we’ve been able to raise over a million dollars for our nonprofit,” Fundora said. And in September, Purple Pansies held its 13th an nual Pillars of Hope Gala, raising

Exchange/SIPC. 22-BR3KA-0166

PURPLE PANSIES/PROVIDED

LESLIE GILLIAM/PROVIDED

Girl Scouts from Wilson Creek Elementary School load up a car with nonperishable food items for a school-wide food drive.

Cookerly Public Relations names Stewart new CEO

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Cookerly Public Relations, a Southeastern public relations and marketing agency with clients including McDonald’s, SunTrust and Mercedes-Benz, has announced Cory Stewart as the company’s chief executive officer. Stewart will join Cookerly’s president Stephen Brown in leading the firm.

“As I take on this new role, I’m highly cognizant that our reputation, carefully built on quality work, is the sum of many dedicated colleagues’ efforts,” Stewart said.

Stewart will take over the position from founder Carol Cookerly, who will step aside from some responsibilities and focus on the crisis and issues practice.

“While the firm bears my name, for more than a decade I have not directly impacted many of our clients,” Cookerly said.

The firm was founded more than 30 years ago, originally known for managing high-profile issues and crises. It became a full-service communications provider 25 years ago.

Stewart joined the company in 2005. He had previously served as the firm’s chief operating officer. He’s provided counsel and campaign executions for clients across a variety of sectors.

Prior to joining Cookerly, he worked in the banking industry as a regional marketing officer for BBVA bank in Birmingham, Alabama. He also serves as a board member of the Worldcom Public Relations Group, the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House and the Coastal Conservation Association Atlanta Chapter. Stewart previously served on the Chattahoochee Nature Center.

STEWART

Roswell man sentenced for role in fentanyl death

By ALEXANDER POPP alex@appenmedia.com

ATLANTA — A Roswell man has been sentenced to federal prison for selling fentanyl-laced pills that killed one person and seriously injured another in 2017 and 2018.

The U.S. Department of Justice announced Nov. 22, that Hubert Nathans, 33, of Roswell, has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for selling fake Roxicodone pills containing fentanyl, which led to the death of a 24-year-old

Nathans and his supplier, Edward Culton, a 29-year-old Atlanta man, were arrested following an investigation by the Roswell Police Department, the DEA and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in 2018.

“Nathans and Culton remorselessly sought to profit from drug addiction at any cost,” U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan said. “Their greed resulted in the tragic death of one person and the near-death of another. As the opioid epidemic continues to rage nationwide, these significant sentences should make clear that opioid suppliers and dealers will be held accountable for the devastation

they wreak in our communities.”

According to Justice Department Officials, Nathans and Culton continued selling fentanyl-laced pills, even after learning their pills had caused a fatal overdose, leading to another nearly fatal overdose.

Agents seized almost 1,000 pills containing fentanyl during a search of Culton’s apartment, officials said.

“Each and every pill distributed by Nathans and Culton in our community represented the potential for another life lost,” Roswell Police Chief James Conroy said. “We remain committed to working hand-in-hand with our law enforcement partners to stem the tide of overdose deaths, and to aggressively pursuing the entire criminal ecosystem that contributes to them.”

Nathans pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute and possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl Aug. 13, 2018. In addition to the12-year prison sentence, he will spend another 15 years under supervised release.

Culton was convicted on similar charges Sept. 8, 2022, and has been sentenced to more than 18 years in prison for his part in the illegal enterprise.

Nonprofit:

$850,000 in one evening, she said.

Fundora founded Purple Pansies in 2009, after her mother’s death from pancreatic cancer. From that moment on, Fundora committed herself to rais ing awareness for pancreatic cancer, which has the highest mortality rate of all major cancers.

“I lost her three months after diag nosis and I could not just sit still,” she said. “I had to do something.”

The American Cancer Society says that over 1,800 new cases of pancreat ic cancer were diagnosed in 2022, and 1,450 pancreatic cancer deaths were reported.

What makes pancreatic cancer so deadly is that it can’t be detected easily and often is in its late stages before symptoms appear, Fundora said.

“It’s a very slow growing cancer, you could have pancreatic cancer for 10 years and not know you have this cancer growing inside of you,” she said. “So, it is very hard to detect. Usually when they find it early, it’s because they’re looking for something else.”

Purple Pansies holds events throughout the year to raise money and awareness, because most people

aren’t familiar with pancreatic cancer or how it affects people in the commu nity. But in November, the group steps those projects into overdrive, partner ing with local businesses and using Fundora’s restaurant, Casa Nuova, to host events.

“We need the dollars for research to be able to come up with one easy, early detection piece, like they have a mam mogram for breast cancer,” she said.

They also donate a lot of funding for medical clinical trials, but one of the most important parts of their funding goes toward scholarships and dona tions for families that are facing an immediate need.

“This is the second year that we have rolled out our scholarship pro gram for students that their guard ian, or their family member is facing a pancreatic cancer diagnosis,” she said. “The stories that you hear from some of these kids are just heartbreaking.”

And if Fundora is right, since 2009 when she founded Purple Pansies, the work of her group and others like it has had a noticeable impact on the outcomes for those facing a pancreatic cancer diagnosis.

In the past 13 years, Fundora said the pancreatic cancer survival rate has risen from 2 percent to 14 percent.

“Maybe it doesn’t sound like great, but it’s a huge progress,” she said.

Holly Jolly Block Party City Hall - 4 p.m.

December 6 Planning Commission City Hall - 7 p.m.

Johns Creek

NEW BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS

Business: Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

Owners: Jeni Britton

Description: We build ice creams completely from scratch using a unique recipe honed and perfected over more than 20 years. Our ice creams have a uniquely smooth texture and butter

cream body, with bright flavor and clean finish. We’re here to set new standards for ice cream and to create our own.

Opened: October 2022

Address: 1230 Ashford Crossing Dun woody, GA 30346 Phone: 470-391-2869

Business: Lean Kitchen

Owner: Jay Johnson

Description: Lean Kitchen provides convenient, delicious meals for on-thego. Our mission is to save you time and money by offering you prepared meals that are healthy, fresh, and never frozen. Your diet is the most important part of achieving your goals.

Opened: October 2022

Address: 4905 Alabama Rd #140, Ro swell, GA, 30075

Phone: 770-609-6747

Website: https://leankitchenroswell. bottle.com

Just opened?

Appen Media publishes New Busi ness Spotlights to highlight local businesses as they get started. Submit yours for free at appenme dia.com/newbusiness.

Couple enlivens Cuban cuisine with tasty upgrade

By DELANEY TARR delaney@appenmedia.com

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. —Cuba may be known for its classic cars and vintage feel, but Alvaro Carta Suarez wants his restaurant to be set squarely in the present. Azucar Cuban Café has a menu packed with classic Cuban cuisine, but the walk-up spot is decidedly modern.

“What we want to show the people is that Cuba is not (old) all the time,” Carta Suarez said. “I want to show that it can be a modern type, too.”

Carta Suarez and his wife Claudia Marquez started Azucar as a food truck in August 2020. Two years later, they opened their first brickand-mortar restaurant. Azucar is now a breakfast and lunch spot on weekdays, and the couple taking the food truck to events on the weekends.

Transitioning from food truck to sit-down restaurant was a big leap.

“We risked everything,” Carta Suarez said.

But the journey there felt natural. Carta Suarez was born in Cuba and moved to the Dominican Republic for high school. From there, he chased adventure to the food industry in Florida. On a trip to Atlanta, he met Marquez.

“All I did was ask for a picture with him,” Marquez joked. “Three months later he moved in!”

Marquez is Mexican and had experience with her culture’s cuisine and in the food industry. The pair had the experience and inspiration, it was just a matter of what they needed to do next.

“We started because there weren’t

that many options here in the city,” Carta Suarez said. “I can count them with my hand.”

They chose to open a food truck to travel across Georgia, from Carrollton to Dunwoody. It was named Azucar as an ode to Cuban tradition.

“Everything has sugar on it, including the coffee,” Carta Suarez said. “That’s what we say, Cubans have sugar in the blood.”

The food truck worked for a while,

but the pair had recently had a child, and the weekend travel got tiring. More than anything, Carta Suarez said it was hard for customers to keep up with the constant relocation.

The pair had always dreamed of opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant, but they weren’t expecting the opportunity to come so soon. They took up shop in a defunct Subway, and Marquez completely renovated the place.

Now, Azucar is a modern walkup destination. The airy space is full of rattan and greenery, with a large mural of the pastel buildings in Havana, Cuba, on the wall. The music rings over the speakers, a mix of Cuban classics like Celia Cruz and modern Latin favorites like Bad Bunny.

The restaurant is a clear blend of classically Cuban culture and updates for a modern audience. The feel is reflected in the menu, a combination of Cuban and Cuban-American cuisine, with Mexican flair and newer changes.

“I wanted to do something from Cuba, because we have Miami,” Carta Suarez said. “But the flavors here have a lot of Cuba.”

The coffee menu is a Cuban staple. The espresso is strong and sweet, made from Café Bustelo like most Cuban coffee. Carta Suarez made a few changes, though.

There’s iced café con leche, a cold version of the Cuban espresso with milk that’s a response to the popularity of iced coffees in the United States.

“We have to keep up with a modern audience, we have to update,” Carta Suarez said.

Take the Cuban sandwich: Typically, it consists of sliced pork and ham, melted cheese, pickles and mustard pressed between Cuban bread. Carta Suarez’s version is mostly the same, but he said they use shredded pork that has a lot more flavor.

The changes are subtle, but they

DECEMBER 9, 2022

DOWNTOWN ALPHARETTA

SPONSORED BY:

Plan your holiday lunch and shopping in the Downtown Alpharetta District on Friday, December 9 and enjoy FREE gift wrapping. The Gift Wrap Shack will be located on the Chiringa patio and open from 12:00 – 3:00 PM. Simply show us your receipt(s) from a local DTA store and receive free gift wrapping. Limit (3).

Enjoy an array of holiday-inspired flavors at participating Downtown Alpharetta restaurants and specialty shops. Sips of the Season offers a little something for everyone including festive favorites and new tasty treats.

“We started because there weren’t that many options here in the city. I can count them with my hand.”

ALVARO CARTA SUAREZ, co-owner, Azucar Cuban Café

DELANEY TARR/APPEN MEDIA

Alvaro Carta Suarez and Claudia Marquez stand at the bar of Azucar Cuban Café in Sandy Springs. The restaurant’s menu is packed with classic Cuban cuisine.

Cuisine:

Continued from Page 8

reflect the couple’s focus on creating big flavors and high-quality dishes. Carta Suarez hopes the menu options will expand people’s understanding of Cuban cuisine. Plenty of Hispanic people come by, but they also get a lot of customers who’ve

only ever had a Cuban sandwich.

“It’s tough to show them something they’ve never known,” Carta Suarez said. “But when I moved here, I didn’t even know what a biscuit was.”

It’s been a learning curve for the couple and their customers, but Carta Suarez said they’ve had positive reception since opening — even if they do a lot of explaining of the menu.

“I get a lot of questions,” Carta Suarez said.

Customers are often shocked by dishes like ropa vieja, a shredded beef dish cooked in tomatoes that translates in English to “old clothes.”

Once they try the unfamiliar food, though, Carta Suarez said the reception has been positive.

“We’ve already got some special people who call, and we already know what they’ll order,” Carta Suarez said.

The restaurant hasn’t been open for long, but Carta Suarez and

Marquez already feel it’s helped add variety to the restaurant landscape in Sandy Springs.

“There’s plenty of taco places, but not many Cuban restaurants,” Carta Suarez said. “I want to change that.”

While the pair has plans to expand into more locations eventually, for now they’re focused on the success of the restaurant and food truck.

“Dreams do come true,” Marquez said. “It’s the American dream for us.”

Frank Paras

Tara Tucker

DELANEY TARR/APPEN MEDIA

DELANEY

Marquez makes an espresso shot for

of the many coffee options on Azucar Cuban Café’s menu.

Georgia Peaches win Fall Finale tournament

GAINESVILLE, Ga. — On a chilly Sun day night Nov. 20, the Georgia Peaches defeated the Smyrna Slammers 10U team 14-8 in the championship game of the Southern Sports Promotions Fall Finale in Gainesville.

The Georgia Peaches – an all-female travel baseball team – hail from Johns Creek but is composed of players from all across the state.

After finishing 2-0 in pool play, the Peaches advanced to their second straight tournament finale after winning the Cobb County Sunday Series tournament on Sept. 18. Once again, the difference maker for the Peaches was their resilience at the plate, scoring an improbable 21 runs in the tournament with 2 outs, including 12 in the championship game.

Izi Fawcett and Morley “MJ” Nichols combined for 11 hits in 12 plate appear ances and 6 RBIs between them. Nichols

also pitched 2 nearly flawless innings in the championship game, allowing just one hit and striking out four.

Head coach J.P. Borod, of Johns Creek, attributed the team’s never-saydie mentality to the comradery they’ve developed and shared goal of showing little girls everywhere that not only can they play baseball with boys, but they can beat them, too.

“We will play anyone, anywhere, any time,” said Borod, whose team remains undefeated against all-male teams. “These aren’t girls who play baseball. These are some of the best baseball players in the state, who happen to also be girls.”

The team will represent Georgia in the Baseball For All national tournament in July. It is the largest girls baseball tour nament in the country, fielding over 700 players annually.

the

SPECIAL

After a group lunch, Georgia Peaches gather for one last group shot before the championship game in Gainesville Nov. 20.

SPECIAL

Show off

bling: Members of the Peaches show off their new championship bling shortly after the closing ceremonies. SPECIAL

Members of the champion Georgia Peaches are, from left: Addie Greene, Rome; Morley “MJ” Nichols, Canton; assistant coach Ian Winklmann, Johns Creek; Maggie Park, Kennesaw; Riley Borod, Johns Creek; head coach J.P. Borod, Johns Creek; Blythe Cammack, Johns Creek; Evie Barton, Dawsonville; Ellie Hancock, Alpharetta; Jo Hancock, Alpharetta; assistant coach Trent Hammock, Statham; Izi Fawcett, Decatur; Remi Hammock, Statham; Phoebe Appen, Alpharetta.

SPECIAL

Champions: The Smyrna Slammers Prospects 10U stand with the Georgia Peaches after the championship game Nov. 20. The Peaches took the win, 14-8

Solarize Forsyth Campaign offers discount on solar energy through unique, community-led group buying

Solarize Forsyth, the community campaign led by a local renewable energy coalition, is signing up local homeowners seeking to reduce the cost of solar energy for their properties. Through the campaign, the more local purchasers who buy solar, the lower the price drops as others join in this unique discount buying program.

Several dozen property owners are currently enrolled for solar assessments through the communityled campaign, which is aimed at making solar energy more affordable for local homeowners, businesses and nonprofits. Enrollment means to simply sign up for a free, no-obligation evaluation of a property’s readiness

for solar energy and battery storage.

By purchasing with others in the community through the program,

participants can tap the combined power of buying with other Forsyth residents. Newly available federal tax credits may also provide 30% in valuable additional savings where applicable.

Solarize campaigns have been adopted in numerous communities around the country since their inception in 2009 as a method to help local residents “go solar” together. Solarize Forsyth is the first such campaign of its kind launched locally. Following a rigorous evaluation process, the Solarize Forsyth coalition selected Summit Solar to provide local property owners with quality equipment, installations and service.

There is a limited time to access these lower-than-typical prices. The

deadline to sign up is Dec. 31, 2022. All installations must be complete by March 31, 2023.

Interested residents and businesses should go to SolarizeForsyth.net to learn more and sign up for a free evaluation.

Coalition organizations involved in partnering to ensure Solarize Forsyth is a success include: Kiwanis Club of Forsyth County, Green Cell Atlanta, Resiliency Nexus, Citizens’ Climate Lobby - GA Forsyth Chapter, Georgia Interfaith Power & Light, Environment Georgia and Solar Crowdsource.

Brought to you by – Solarize Forsyth

David Patterson Homes is now selling in three Forsyth County neighborhoods

David Patterson has been designing and building homes in Atlanta and in the Lake Lanier area for over 15 years. David and Lauren Patterson and their team are dedicated to building excep tional new homes, providing a top-notch customer service, and keeping a passion for attention to detail. They are cur rently creating transitional European farmhouse communities in several For syth County locations that offer unique style, beauty, and balance.

David Patterson Homes is excited to announce that sales have started at Fireside Farms in North Forsyth County. This new home community is conveniently located just minutes to GA

400, Lake Lanier, as well as shopping, dining and parks. Fireside Farms is priced from the $600s and will feature a variety of popular home designs on large homesites, a neighborhood green space and playground. Children will attend excellent Forsyth County schools including Silver City Elementary, North Forsyth Middle School and North For syth High School. For additional infor mation, call 678.578.6819.

Located in Gainesville/Forsyth County on the shores of popular Lake Lanier is Long Hollow Landing, a lake side community featuring 59 homesites. The neighborhood features luxurious home designs with a variety of eleva

tions some with three-car garages. Amenities will include a community courtesy boat dock with swim platform and a community gathering area by the water. There are eight homesites with a covered boat slip at the com munity dock. Long Hollow Landing is conveniently located off Hwy 306 and Hwy 53 close to shopping and dining, GA 400, and Gainesville. Children will attend Chestatee Elementary, Little Mill Middle and the new state-of-theart East Forsyth High School. Priced from the $600s to $1 million plus. Call 678.578.6833 for more information.

Three homes remain at Kelly Mill Reserve in Cumming. Located in the

highly acclaimed West Forsyth High School district, Kelly Mill Reserve is conveniently located on Kelly Mill Road and features a quiet enclave of 23 Eu ropean Farmhouse style homes priced from the $700s. Call 678.578.6819 for information on these final opportunities.

David Patterson Homes has been the recipient of numerous Professionalism Awards for house design by the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association. For additional information, go to www.Da vidPattersonHomes.com. Sales and mar keting by Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Georgia Properties New Homes Division. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Brought to you by - Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Georgia Properties New Homes Division

Understanding the probate process

Probate is the process by which a court takes over the assets of a deceased loved one and distributes it as the court sees fit. This is a process that can be burdensome, especially if your loved one has recently passed away – not to mention the court procedures take at least a year. The worst part of probate is that the estate of the decedent becomes public. This means any creditor can place a claim on an estate, leading to loved ones losing control over the decedent’s assets.

There are a few ways to avoid

probate. Surprisingly, having a will does not exempt your assets from probate. However, by making a trust and doing careful estate planning, you can rest assured that your family will not have to worry about the court process when you pass on.

At Estate Law Center, we understand the pain of losing a loved one, and we understand the last thing you want is for your family to have to deal with the court while grieving for you. Let us help by helping your family walk through the probate process – or by teaching you how to avoid probate entirely at one of our free workshops.

Brought to you by – Estate Law Center

GEERDES

Let’s discuss window treatments…

Brought to you by - Riccardo Apreda, Tuscany Fine Furnishings

The first question I ask clients who are considering window treatments is whether they are necessary to ensure privacy or will they become an embellishment? In either situation, the proper selection can make or break the best design plan. Here are suggestions that may assist in your quest for the perfect window treatments.

I recommend stepping outside of your home and view your windows as you will also want to ensure their curb appeal. Create a uniform look across the windows on the front side of your home, even the garage windows, makes for a well thought out plan. Be consistent with your choice of coverings, woodblinds, shades, plantation shutters should be the same on all windows, allowing your over treatments to be shielded from the exterior view.

Plantation shutters remain a popular choice for many home owners as they begin the window treatment process, they are available in a variety of

styles and finishes and very often make a striking design statement eliminating the need for further treatment. If privacy is not a concern and your view is beautiful, enjoy it without covering the windows, you may wish to have your glass tinted to reduce the fading of furniture and lower energy costs. When selecting windows during pre-construction or the replacement process keep in mind that built-in shades are an available option, affording touch of a button functionality.

Simplicity in your choice of over treatments is a good rule. Colors, textures and styles must only enhance your interior design not over power it. Choosing panels, I suggest keeping them tailored and neat. They can be sewn lined or unlined, their width size is determined by deciding if they will be opened and drawn or kept stationary. When hanging draperies, whether they be hung pleated, rod pocketed or from grommets have them graze the floor, puddling is no longer considered vogue. The hardware is designated by scale of the window and room, in addition to enhancing the fabric selection.

Valances are a good way to bring color, dimension

and texture to a room without obstructing your view, again keep them simple in style. Roman shades are a nice alternative for glass doors.

I encourage you to seek professionals for the fabrication and installation of your window treatments, this ensures your confidence in the selection process and may save you from making costly mistakes.

Riccardo Apreda, Store Manager and an accomplished, award winning interior designer, with Tuscany Fine Furnishings, providing …Lifestyle Driven Design...Furnishings for Every Room in Your Home, 1570 Holcomb Bridge Rd. Suite 315, in Roswell, 770-993-0640 ext. 2, Showroom Hours: Mon-Sat 10-6 p.m. Sun. 1-5 p.m… See why…26,000 Families Follow and Shop Tuscany on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, WHATSAPP BUSINESS, GOOGLE BUSINESS AND YOUTUBE... Everyday!

Five holiday staging tips

Brought to

you

by

–

Bill Rawlings, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty

While holiday decorations and festivities add an extra element to prepping and staging your home, there is no need to panic! A few garlands of planning combined with a sprig of creativity here and there and your home will emerge decked and prepped for those highly motivated buyers who want to ring in the new year in a brand new house. The trick is to make your trimming work for you through warm, inviting and aspirational décor. Here are a few tricks to help set the perfect mood:

1. Start with a clean space. All the trimming in the world cannot make up for a messy, disheveled space. The most important phase of any decorating project is cleaning and decluttering because clutter breeds anxiety, and you want your buyers to feel relaxed - like they want to stay.

2. Choose colors that complement your current palette.

Not all homes benefit from decorations in the traditional red and green holiday range, so don’t be afraid to take some time to figure out what works best for your space. Soothing shades of white, blue-gray, silver or lavender can be just as festive as cranberry.

3. Emphasize simple and classy lighting.

Ditch the lawn inflatables and avoid

garish or over-the-top lighting displays. Stick to simple, tasteful lighting that shows off your home to the best advantage.

4. Be mindful of your tree. Like all holiday staging, indoor trees take a bit of thought and planning to get right. The most important considerations are the size of your tree relative to the size of your home and cohesive ornamentation. Unless you are showing off a spacious two-story foyer, it’s best to avoid large trees that take up a lot of floor space. You also want to stick with classic ornaments like globes or lights, saving family heirlooms for another year.

5. Draw attention to your home’s best features.

Play up the selling points of your home, the features that make it a wonderful place to live. Accentuate fireplaces, decks/outdoor living spaces and unique aspects like arched doorways or bay windows.

Since buyers looking during the holidays tend to be serious and highly motivated, properly staging your home is time well spent. If you need assistance renovating your home or have any other real estate needs, please contact Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty at 770.442.7300. We would be happy to assist you!

Compiled and edited by Angela Valente, Marketing Copywriter/ Copyeditor

RAWLINGS

OPINION

Country Squire Farm on Meadow Lane

If you look up 1225 Meadow Lane Road in Dunwoody on Google maps, you end up in the middle of the road between Walton Ashford Apartments Homes and Target. This is where the home of Arthur King Adams and Marie Butler Adams sat, and they called it Country Squire Farm.

Arthur Adams was born in 1888 in Massachusetts. He attended the Mas sachusetts Institute of Technology. On Christmas Eve 1915, he married Marie Butler. (The North Adams Transcript, Dec. 27, 1915)

When the U.S. entered World War I, Adams completed his draft card on June 5, 1917. The card shows that he lived in Atlanta and worked as a civil engineer for Arthur Tufts. Adams’ list of career credits is from his time working for Ar thur Tufts and L. W. Robert Jr. of Robert and Company.

In their book, “The Story of Dun woody,” historians Elizabeth Davis and Ethel Spruill identify Adams as a general

contractor who built Coca-Cola plants, cotton mills, some of the early buildings at Emory, a library at Agnes Scott Col lege, some University of Georgia build ings, and Camp Gordon, a World War I army training camp in Chamblee.

Arthur Tufts, a graduate of Georgia Tech, was the supervising contractor of Camp Gordon. When Asa Candler purchased 75 acres to develop the new campus of Emory University in Atlanta, he hired Arthur Tufts as the contractor. (emoryhistorian.org/2017/08/07/theman-who-built-emory-in-druid-hills)

Adams’ July 27, 1970, obituary describes him as a contractor on these same buildings as well as Georgia Tech’s Grant Field, Druid Hills Presbyterian Church, 15 Goodyear Tire and Rubber plants, and the Bell Bomber Plant in Marietta. Some of these jobs were com pleted during his time with Robert and Company.

Arthur and Marie Adams built their Country Squire Farm home in 1940 on 200 acres along what was then Spruill Road, now Meadow Lane Road. They purchased the land from the Spruill and Williams families.

After Arthur Adams died in 1960, Marie Adams managed the farm until she sold part of it to developers. She still

had Black Angus cattle at that point and sent them to a farm she owned in Floyd County.

Arthur Adams was one of the first presidents of the Dunwoody Commu nity Club, served as president of the Dunwoody Lions Club, and often played Santa Claus at Christmas programs at the Dunwoody Elementary School. Dur ing WWII, Marie Adams invited the Red Cross and other organizations working for the war effort to meet at their home. This work often included sewing, knit ting and folding bandages.

The wedding reception of the couple’s daughter Patricia was held at Country Squire Farm. She worked as a civilian at Naval Air Station Atlanta during WW II, and their son Kerwin served during the war and later worked at Dobbins Air Force Base in Marietta. (Atlanta Con stitution, July 10, 1949, “Miss Patricia Adams weds Mr. Spencer at St. Luke’s”)

Award-winning author Valerie Big gerstaff is a longtime columnist for Appen Media. She lives in Sandy Springs. You can email Valerie at pasttensega@gmail. com or visit her website at pasttensega. com.

Read Local, Shop Local

Read

VALERIE BIGGERSTAFF

The Lost Community: Stono, Georgia

in this area is one of many projects he is working on.

Fred Shirley (1935-2017) was born and raised on farms in Alpharetta. He was a U.S. Navy combat helicopter pilot in the Vietnam War. Although always a farm boy at heart, Freddy was also a serious student of his family’s history and wrote a book on the subject.

BOB MEYERS Columnist bobmey@bellsouth.net

Stono was a small community in Fulton County but not a town with its own government. It appeared on maps in the late 1800s and early 1900s, and it had a post office. All traces of it are gone today, and few people are aware of its existence, where it was or how it got its name. Thanks to the diligent research of Ed Malowney and Fred Shirley, those questions can be answered. In simplest terms, Stono was a group of homesteads centered around the farm of James Wright Shirley and his siblings where Lake Windward in Alpharetta is today. Endto-end, Stono stretched from Ocee to Untion Hill Church and cemetery.

Ed Malowney is President of the Alpharetta and Old Milton County Historical Society. He retired after working for several large companies in the field of human resources. Since retiring, he has devoted his efforts to the study of local history and genealogy. The examination of historic post offices

Stono is a town in South Carolina on the Stono River about 20 miles from Charleston. It has figured in several battles. In September 1739, Stono was the site of the largest slave uprising in the British colonies. A group of Angolan slaves killed more than 20 white people as the abused slaves sought freedom by escaping 150 miles to Florida. The Spanish governor in Florida promised freedom to any slaves who could make their way there. The American plantation owners called in the militia, and the rebellion was quickly quelled and some 40 slaves were killed.

Stono was the scene of a struggle during the Revolutionary War, the Battle of Stono Ferry in June 1779. In February 1780, British forces laid siege to Charleston. They wanted to use the city as a base for operations in the South. In May, the Americans with

This watercolor painting by Freddy Shir ley shows the huge barn that was adja cent to the post office on J. W. Shirley’s farm in Stono, Georgia. The painting dates to circa 2010. The post office dates to 1899. Freddy spent most of his youth working on the Shirley farm until he went to college and followed a career in naval aviation.

7,000 troops were forced to surrender the city.

Stono appeared again in The War of 1812, which pitted the United States against Great Britain. Freddy Shirley’s great, great-grandfather Benjamin Emaziah Shirley and family moved from South Carolina and bought 200-plus acres in Fulton County circa 1846. The property reminded him, according to Freddy, of “the site of the battle of Stono Crossing of the War of 1812.”

It is thought that his uncle Benjamin and his father John had fought in the battle. “Benjamin was to name his newly purchased property, Stono,” says Freddy. It was located about a mile away from what would one day be the home of his grandson James Wright Shirley.

The post office in Stono was in a large building a few yards from the home of James Wright Shirley. The building housed a post office, store and

grain mill for flour and corn meal. A short distance down the hill from the store was a giant barn. Ed Malowney has uncovered documents that show that the first postmaster in Stono was James M. Dodds who assumed the post in October 1899. On his application to the U.S. Postal Service, Dodds named the post office Clio, after the Greek muse of history; however, a local postal official changed the name on the application to Stono. Ten years later, James Wright Shirley became the postmaster, presumably because he owned the post office. James Wright Shirley was a successful farmer with five tenant farmers on his land and was a prosperous merchant with stores in Stono, Ocee and Alpharetta.

Bob is director emeritus of the Milton Historical Society and a Member of the City of Alpharetta Historic Preservation Commission. You can email him at bobmey@bellsouth.net.

Full-time

LANDIS + GYR TECHNOLOGY, INC. SOLUTIONS ARCHITECT ALPHARETTA GA

Responsibilities: Oversee architecture, security, design, & testing of integrations & interoperability of software programs, vendor applications, & third-party solutions. Design solutions in consultation with analysts, designers, & system owners of vendor application systems within the public & private cloud infrastructure. Consult with customers to scope, design, document, implement, & deliver end-to-end solutions. Domestic travel to unanticipated client sites up to 30%.

Requirements: Bachelor’s in Comp Sci, Electrical Engg, or related field and 5 years exp. in job offered or 5 years exp. with Oracle or SQL Server databases*. Exp. must include 3 years with each of following: wireless technologies; utility domain experience; relational database experience; Enterprise integration utilizing web services; XML, SOAP, WSDL; & data access patterns & frameworks. Experience may be gained concurrently.

*In the alternative employer will accept Master’s degree in Comp Sci, Electrical Engg, or related field & 3 years exp in job offered or 3 years exp with Oracle or SQL Server databases*. Send resume & cover letter to: Landis+Gyr c/o Lisa Hudson, Talent Acquisition, 30000 Mill Creek Ave, Suite 100, Alpharetta, GA 30022 or via email to: lisa.hudson@landisgyr.com

FRONT OFFICE RECEPTIONISTS AND MEDICAL ASSISTANTS

for busy Dermatology Practice; Cumming, Roswell and Alpharetta locations. Email resume to wmark@atlcenterforderm.com or Fax 770-751-7410.

Hi-Rez Studios, Inc. seeks UI Designer in Alpharetta, GA to develop visual concepts for games. Req. BA in animation, dig. art, graphic design or rel. + 2 yrs exp. Resume & portfolio to Talent@hirezstudios.com

LANDIS + GYR TECHNOLOGY, INC. TECHNICAL IMPLEMENTATION ENGINEERING MANAGER ALPHARETTA GA

Responsibilities: Oversee operations & set policies & processes for Technical Implementation Engineering organization. Design recruiting, hiring, & training strategies for Technical Implementation Engineering team, supervise Technical Implementation Engineer Leads, & support their growth & professional development. Act as liaison with other teams to facilitate better collaboration & ensure that Landis+Gyr solutions are deployed in an effective manner. Provide leadership & guidance for continuous improvement of documentation & training available for new & existing team members.

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in comp sci, electrical engg or related field & 5 years exp in job offered or 5 years exp with software & hardware solutions.* Exp must include 3 years each of following: Oracle or SQL Server database; software development & testing; wireless technologies; & utility domain experience. Experience may be gained concurrently.

Send resume & cover letter: Lisa Hudson, HR, Landis+Gyr, 30000 Mill Creek Ave, Suite 100, Alpharetta, GA 30022 or via email to lisa.hudson@landisgyr.com.

*In the alternative employer will accept a master’s degree in com sci, electrical engg or related field & 3 years experience in job offered or 3 years exp in software & hardware solutions.

IT Professionals needed by Ingenico Inc. in Alpharetta, GA (mult openings). Sr. Software Developer (SSD072) to design, develop, & maintain user interfaces & underlying functionality for embedded point-of-sale applications that handle secure payment processing, & design, develop & maintain POS solutions. Remote work allowed 1 day/week from home office located within commuting distance of Alpharetta, GA HQ. Technical Services Analyst (TSA071) to analyze business problems & provide product integration, computer systems & software solutions support to Solution Engineering team, customers & partners. Gather technical & systems req’s from customers & provide technical guidance/training on Ingenico’s suite of terminal solutions. Travel req’d once per month within North America. Remote work allowed up to 3 days/week from home office located within commuting distance of Alpharetta, GA HQ, minimum 2 days working in office req’d per week. Mail resumes to Nayelli Cruz Freyre, HR Head TSS NA Region, 3025 Windward Plaza, Ste 600, Alpharetta, GA 30005. Reference code in response.

POOL TECHNICIANS

WANTED

Part-time & Full-time positions available. Pay is $12-$14 per hour. Hours starting at 6:30AM, Monday-Friday. Pick-up truck not required but must have your own reliable transportation. Gas allowance provided. Looking for people who enjoy working outside and are enthusiastic, dependable & punctual. Able to contribute independently or on a crew with consistently friendly attitude.

Well-established commercial pool maintenance company providing service in the North Atlanta Metro area.

Call Bill: 404-245-9396

Part-time

General Clerk 1L (Building and Grounds/ Custodial/ Maintenance) Sawnee EMC is seeking a General Clerk 1L (Building and Grounds/Custodial/ Maintenance) (part-time position) to perform facility maintenance and grounds keeping duties. Requires some heavy lifting, high school diploma or equivalency and a valid GA driver’s license. Related experience with outdoor maintenance equipment and a valid CDL are preferred. Hours: Availability for alternate shift assignments and irregular work hours.

Applicants must complete an application prior to 5 PM, December 2, 2022. Apply online: www.sawnee.com/careers. If you require a paper application or an alternate format, please contact us at 770-887-2363 extension 7568.

Sawnee Electric Membership Corporation is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer of Females, Minorities, Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Sawnee EMC is VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Drug Free Workplace.

Building/Facilities Assistant Manager

Seeking part-time Building/Facilities Assistant Manager for Alpharetta

Presbyterian Church from about 12-4 Monday – Friday.

Systems Analyst (Multiple Positions):

Associate Degree or equiv. + 1 Year Application Development experience utilizing Java, Applets, SQL, Servlets, JSP, Tomcat, XML, HTML, Hibernate, Struts.

Mail resume to Northstar Technologies, 3650 Mansell Rd., #225, Alpharetta, GA 30022

Part-time

ASSIST PARTIALLY DISABLED EXECUTIVE

Onsite at his place of employment. Perfect for retired nurse. Helping with meal prep, drive to doctors appointments, some shopping. Salary negotiable. English speaking nonsmoker. Charlotte 678-208-0774

Candidate needs basic knowledge/competency in building maintenance and grounds keeping as well as strong interpersonal skills. Computer skills are desired. Requires successful completion of a criminal record and child abuse background check, a valid driver’s license and the ability to perform physical tasks. Full job description can be seen at https://alpharettapres. com/about-us/jobs/.

Qualified candidates please send resume to office@alpharettapres.com

BASEMENTS-FRAMING-DRYWALL-TRIM-PAINT

Decks repaired/built. Labor payment upon completion. Heritageconstruction.com. 30-plus years experience. John Ingram/678-906-7100. Act now before prices increase next year!

PINESTRAW,

MULCH

Delivery/installation available. Firewood available. Licensed, insured. Angels of Earth Pinestraw and Mulch. 770-831-3612

NATIONAL ADVERTISING

VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS!

50 Generic Pills SPECIAL $99.00. 100% guaranteed. 24/7 CALL NOW! 888-445-5928 Hablamos Español

Dental insurance - Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Covers 350 procedures. Real in-surance - not a discount plan. Get your free dental info kit! 1-855-526-1060 www. dental50plus.com/ads #6258

Attention oxygen therapy users! Inogen One G4 is capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds. Free info kit. Call 877-929-9587

Become a published author. We want to read your book! Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultation, production, promotion & distribution. Call for free author’s guide 1-877-729-4998 or visit dorranceinfo.com/ads

Put on your TV Ears & hear TV w/unmatched clarity. TV Ears Original - originally $129.95 - now w/this special offer only $59.95 w/code MCB59! 1-888-805-0840

DISH TV $64.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Promo Expires 1/21/23. 1-866-479-1516

Attention Homeowners! If you have water damage and need cleanup services, call us! We’ll get in & work with your insurance agency to get your home repaired and your life back to normal ASAP! 855-767-7031

MobileHelp, America’s premier mobile medical alert system. Whether you’re home or away. For safety & peace of mind.

No long term contracts! Free brochure! 1-888-489-3936

FREE $10 Cash App Everyone! Yes It’s Real. Very Limited supply until we run out! Text “Real Cash” to 706-761-1745

Free high speed internet if qualified. Govt. pgm for recipients of select pgms incl. Medicaid, SNAP, Housing Assistance, WIC, Veterans Pension, Survivor Benefits, Lifeline, Tribal. 15 GB internet. Android tablet free w/one-time $20 copay. Free shipping. Call Maxsip Telecom! 1-833-758-3892

!!OLD GUITARS WANTED!! GIBSON, FENDER, MARTIN, etc. 1930’s to 1980’s. TOP DOLLAR PAID. CALL TOLL FREE 1-866-433-8277

Mention this ad. Concrete driveway specialists. Driveways, Pool Decks, Patios, Walkways, Slabs.  A+ BBB rating. FREE ESTIMATE. Call Rachael at 678-250-4546 to schedule a FREE Estimate. 30 years of experience. ARBOR HILLS CONSTRUCTION INC. Please note we do have a minimum charge on accepted jobs of $4,500.

Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home standby generator $0 Down + Low Monthly Pmt Request a free Quote. Call before the next power outage: 1-855-948-6176

Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protec-tion. Schedule free LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833-610-1936

BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 855-761-1725

Donate Your Car to Veterans Today! Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800-245-0398

HughesNet - Finally, super-fast internet no matter where you live. 25 Mbps just $59.99/mo! Unlimited Data is Here. Stream Video. Bundle TV & Internet. Free Installation. Call 866-499-0141

The Generac PWRcell solar plus battery storage system. Save money, reduce reliance on grid, prepare for outages & power your home. Full installation services. $0 down financing option. Request free no obligation quote. 1-877-539-0299

Vivint. Smart security. Professionally installed. One connected system for total peace of mind. Free professional installation! Four free months of monitoring! Call to customize your system. 1-833-841-0737

Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-in tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-theline installation and service. Now featuring our free shower package & $1600 off - limited time! Fi-nancing available. 1-855-417-1306

Protect your home from pests safely and affordably. Pest, rodent, termite and mosquito con-trol. Call for a quote or inspection today 844-394-9278

Switch and save up to $250/yr on talk, text & data. No contract or hidden fees. Unlimited talk & text with flexible data plans. Premium nationwide coverage. 100% U.S. based customer service. Limited time get $50 off any new account. Use code GIFT50. 1-855-903-3048

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON TIP YOUR NEWSPAPER DELIVERY PERSON

This holiday season, consider giving your newspaper delivery person a tip for their weekly delivery of the free community newspaper to your driveway. These folks work hard to make sure you are informed of all the local happenings, rain or shine, week in and week out.

Importantly, at Appen Media, we have always been intentional about our desire to keep delivery of our newspapers free. That said, it would mean the world to us if you would consider tipping your newspaper delivery person so that they will have a little extra money for the holiday season.

If you can help us help these amazing people, we promise to keep delivering high quality news to your driveway, for free, every week. Free home delivery of 105,000 homes is hard work –and we couldn’t do it without our amazing delivery folks.

How you can give your delivery person a tip:

We have created an online portal at www.appenmedia.com/deliverytip.

100% of every dollar you contribute will be spread out evenly between the 24 newspaper delivery people that Appen Media employs. Whether you give $5 or $50, they will greatly appreciate it.

If you prefer, you can also mail a check made out to “Appen Media Group C/O Newspaper Delivery Tip” to 319 North Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.